B.C.’s hot and dry weather fuels 180 active fires in recent days

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Almost 200 wildfires are burning around the province, including 40 new ones over the weekend.

Sparks Lake

The biggest wildfire in the province is the Sparks Lake fire, north of Ashcroft, which has grown to about 360-square kilometres since it broke out last week. The fire has forced the evacuation of 164 properties, and placed nearly 1,000 others are on alert. An area restriction is in effect.

The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Sparks Lake wildfire (K21001) northwest of #Kamloops with an array structural protection, crews and equipment. For updates on this wildfire and other Wildfires of note, visit: https://t.co/3DFxI54ENx pic.twitter.com/oVTyFGt1l2

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 5, 2021

McKay Creek 

BC Wildfire Service says the fire north of Lillooet was fueled over the weekend by winds out of the north. As a result, there was grown on the south end of the fire and crews worked overnight to protect properties above West Pavilion Road. The fire burns in mainly brushland, and no homes have been lost. An evacuation order issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District remains in effect for several properties.

Increased fire activity resulted in growth on the east side of the Fraser River along the Pavilion Clinton Road towards Pavilion. Machine guards are being constructed and structure personnel remain on site. Courtesy: BC Wildfire Service.

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Lytton Creek Wildfire

One hundred firefighters from Eastern Canada are arriving in B.C. Monday to join the firefighting efforts. The Lytton Creek wildfire is still burning at 7,600 hectares and is classified as out of control. Over the weekend, Mounties gained access to fire-ravaged Lytton to begin their investigation into what sparked last week’s deadly and destructive flames.

There are no active missing persons reports, and the BC Coroners Service says the number of lives lost in the fire remains at two. There are rumours that a train may have sparked the blaze, but Dawn Roberts with the BC RCMP say it’s too soon to come to any conclusion.

“The investigation is a priority and remains active and ongoing. We don’t have a timeline for how long it will take but it will be thorough. We are asking for patience to allow the investigation and investigators to determine the fact,” she said.

Related Video:

Deka Lake Wildfire

A controlled burn over the weekend had to be called off for the fire east of 100 Mile House due to windy conditions, according to the BC Wildfire Service. An evacuation order remains in effect for nearly 700 properties in the Deka Lake area. An additional 153 properties in the Sulphurous Lake area remain under alert and should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Lightning is the suspected cause and more than 40 firefighters remain on scene to fight this fire.

The Deka Lake wildfire is south of the Canim Lake fire and north of the Sparks Lake Wildfire. Courtesy: Government of BC

Wolfcub Creek Fire

An evacuation order issued due to a fast-moving wildfire northeast of Oliver has been lifted as the Wolfcub Creek blaze is now classified as “being held.” The Osoyoos Indian Band had declared a local state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of 14 homes last night while other properties were put under evacuation alert. The fire is believed to be human-caused. The area remains closed to traffic and essential travel is recommended near that fire to allow crews to continue to work.

@BCGovFireInfo responding to grass fire near McKinney Rd within Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) near @TownofOliverBC RDOS EOC supporting OIB with emergency response. Reception centre is being set up at Oliver Recreation Centre. Currently no threat to structures.

— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) July 5, 2021

Churn Creek Protected Area

The 700-hectare blaze began Friday and is already threatening at least two properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Lightning is the suspected cause.

Canim Lake

The wildfire burning south of Canim Lake remains a concern for residents as it continues to burn near several properties. An evacuation alert remains in effect, issued by the Cariboo Regional District and Canim Lake First Nation. Lightning is the suspected cause and the blaze is approximately 300 hectares in size.

Durand Lake 

A small fire southwest of Kamloops continues to burn out-of-control at about 120 hectares in size. The Durand Lake blaze has prompted an evacuation order for several properties in Copper Desert Country. Lightning is the suspected cause and helicopters have been brought in to support ground crews and heavy equipment operators.

The Red Cross is now accepting donations for those affected by the B.C. wildfires. To donate to the British Columbia Fires Appeal you can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Donations will be used for immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and more.

With files from Monika Gul & Hana Mae Nassar